Brown

I heard rumors that Saab will probably make a larger luxury car to compete with the A8, S-Class, 740, LS 400, and Cadillac DeVille. What are your thoughts? Do you like Saabs and Audi's or is this an Audi only site?

Cameron

nt

Cameron

Before, when maufacturers that have primarily manufactured hatchbacks (in Saab's case, only imported hatchbacks) attempt to break into the large sedan market they've been absolutely slaughtered in the American automotive press. I really think it's a shame, since Saab has good build quality, and decent platforms (if they were RWD...)

But the large sedan market? They'll sell twice as many in Spain, France, and Eastern Europe as they will in the U.S. if available in both markets...

Cameron

Tom

I have heard the exactly opposite rumors that Saab is going to build a 9-2 to competes with VW Golf, Audi A3, Ford Focus and BMW 3-Series Compact.
A large Saab? Do you think Saab has the ability to manufacture the 3rd product-line where the manufacturer in Sweden is nothing bigger than a regular shopping mall? I think it will if they have too. Next, which platform will Saab going to use? A Cadillac DeVille/STS platform, its Front Drive platform not Rear drive platform means lots of damn torque steer with the V8. European Opel platform? The biggest is the Omega (Caddy Catera) RWD platform.
If they are really going to do it, here are the things they should do:
1) Keep Saab's tradition quirky character. I don't want another NG900 with uninspiring V6 engine.
2) GM should not push Saab to introduce the new model before they solve the glitches out, just like what they have done to the NG900 in 94. Lousy quality vehicle from day 1. They should do what they have done to the 9-5.
Finally, I don't think Saab should make a huge luxury car like an S-Class. A Saab should be compact, fun-to-drive and practical as their brochures always mentioned at the end. The 9-5 should be the flagship where nothing else should be bigger, a 9-2 sounds like a better concept IMHO.
I know Saab wants to be financially viable in the next few years because it lose money for almost a decade but a big Saab...wwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom
97 A4 1.8TQMS
99 JETTA IV GLS 2.0
00 NEW BEETLE GLS TDI (ON ORDER)
98.5 A4 1.8TQAS WETTED
Previous owner of 88 900i 8V and 92 900S 16V (R.I.P)

Ken-

I suppose SAAb could borrow GM components to build a big RWD,, V8 car designed to compete w/ the 740iL, and A8,, but then it would contradict their hatchback, quirky image they've developed all these yrs,, and alienate traditional SAAB owners who buy SAAB's b/c they are more environmentally conscious, and dislike that status image 740iL's and A8's portray..

The Stranger

if saab makes some big luxo-cruiser, i will be very depressed... saab's are those "quirky" crazy wacky little 4 turbos, which i think rock... to break the Saab Tradition would suck royally... down with GM!